Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

How many acres of land disturbance initiate the requirement for storm water permits?

1. Three

2. One

3. Five

4. Ten

The correct answer is: One

The requirement for storm water permits is triggered by a land disturbance that crosses a specific threshold, which is typically set at one acre. This standard is established by regulations aimed at managing runoff and controlling water quality impacts from construction activities. When land is disturbed, it can expose soil and create conditions that can lead to erosion and sedimentation, which can negatively affect local waterways. Therefore, any project that disturbs one acre or more is required to obtain a storm water permit to ensure that appropriate measures are implemented to manage storm water runoff effectively and minimize environmental impacts. In contrast, larger disturbances (like those covering five or ten acres) would also require permits, but the one-acre threshold is the point at which the need for oversight is recognized, making it a foundational figure in storm water regulations.